Loja
Loja’s main square is always busy with shoeshine boys, newspaper vendors and local devotees stepping into the cathedral for their daily devotions to the…
Must-see attractions in Southern Highlands
Southern Highlands
The community of Tuncarta is known for producing fine Saraguro hats. Catch a bus ($0.20, 10 minutes) from the main road, or get walking directions at…
Cuenca
This church, two blocks northwest of Parque Calderón, sports some fine carved wooden doors and colonial paintings. Although it looks older, the church was…
Loja
This narrow lane is the oldest colonial street in Loja. There are some nice art galleries here (if only the street were pedestrianized, they would be much…
Southern Highlands
On the central plaza, this small museum details the history and techniques of wood carvings, pottery, textiles and panama hats, and sells some locally…
Museo del Monasterio de Madres Concepcionistas
Loja
A half-block east of Parque Central, this monastery has three public rooms housing religious treasures from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Cuenca
The 19th-century Church of San Sebastián stands on beautiful Plaza de San Sebastián, on the western edge of the historical center.
Jardín Botánico Reinaldo Espinosa
Loja
Across the road from the Parque Universitario, 5km south of the center, this botanical garden has nearly 900 plant species.
Loja
A block north of the Parque Central, this smallish plaza is crowned by a statue of the city’s founder astride his horse.
Cuenca
If you speak Spanish, Cuenca's planetarium screens its show twice daily. Morning screenings usually require a reservation.
Southern Highlands
Just north of town on the Panamericana, this nature area has impressive waterfalls and large rock formations.
Southern Highlands
Orchid aficionados will want to check out the Ecuadorian species and hybrids grown here.
Parque La Banda/Orillas de Zamora
Loja
North of town, this nice park has a small zoo and a beautifully designed Orquideario with over 200 species of orchids from southern Ecuador.
Cuenca
Two blocks east of Plaza de San Sebastián, this bare 19th-century church is worth a quick look if you happen to be passing by.
